Former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has called on the people of the North to continue supporting the government of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the significant role the region played in his electoral victory.
Sani stressed that the North, which overwhelmingly voted for Tinubu in the 2023 elections, should not turn its back on him now that he has ascended to the presidency.
Speaking at an event, which was captured in a video circulating on social media, Sani urged the northern region to back the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, especially in light of reports of opposition from the region regarding the controversial Tax Reform Bills. He emphasized that the North’s support is crucial to the success of the government’s policies and reforms.
The former lawmaker pointed out that President Tinubu has appointed many individuals from the North to key positions within his government, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to the region. Sani further noted that the North is richly endowed with natural resources, which, if properly harnessed, could significantly boost the region’s and the nation’s development.
He remarked: “There’s no part of the country as blessed as the northern region. We occupy about 65% of Nigeria’s total landmass. Out of the nation’s 235 rivers, nearly 70% are in the North. Some nations depend on cotton, and we are fortunate to grow it. Others rely on sugarcane, and we are also blessed with that. We are sitting on a goldmine—every natural resource that exists around the world is likely to be found beneath our soil here in the North.”
Sani posed a critical question to the region: “Do you continue to rely on external assistance, or do you take charge of your future by developing the resources within your reach?” He urged the North to see the Tinubu administration as a product of their support and not to undermine it.
He further admonished the people of the North, saying, “If I’m not mistaken, this is a government the North brought into office. So why should you antagonize the very government that you helped to establish? You should not allow others who didn’t vote for this government to take over its direction. It is your government. Your demands should focus on the issues that matter, issues that are on the table.”
Sani also highlighted the significant number of high-ranking positions currently held by northern Nigerians in the administration. “Until now, you have the Minister of Education, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister of Commerce, the Minister of Information, the National Security Advisor, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister of Defence—all key positions in government are held by individuals from the North.”
By stressing the importance of unity and continued support for the government, Sani appealed to the North to focus on the potential benefits of their ongoing partnership with the Tinubu administration and to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by their leadership in the government.
